A good dental assistant is always in high demand, making this a great career choice, especially for people who might have interested in furthering a career to work as a dentist. Although most dental assistant jobs are similar, there are different levels and therefore, different responsibilities. With the information provided in this article, an individual would have a clearer vision whether working as a dental assistant is the right career choice.
Job Functions
Below are the primary functions associated with dental assistant jobs. Although these might vary slightly depending on the dentist and level of assistant position, overall an individual would expect to perform most of the responsibilities listed.
- Offer support to one or more licensed dentists
- Prepare instruments for various dental procedures
- Gather information about a patient’s medical and dental history
- Enter information into and maintain patient charts
- Administer certain tests
- Provide chair-side support to the dentist and ultimately make the patient feel comfortable
Education and Training
While there are some dental assistant jobs in which certification is not required, for the most part, anyone interested in a career such as this should consider becoming certified, which would open more doors of opportunity in relation to securing employment but also higher salary potential. In lieu of certification, a person could take appropriate education and training to earn a dental assistant diploma.
An excellent option for getting ahead and being prepared for dental assistant jobs would be in taking certain high school courses. Although many people have no clue what they want to be after graduation, for those interested in dental healthcare, courses such as biology, chemistry, science, general health, and even business would prove highly beneficial. In fact, when it comes time to be accepted into college or a specialized dental program, these courses would make acceptance easier.
For a person to enter accredited programs for dental assistant jobs, they would need to submit application to the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The good news is that today, approximately 300 accredited programs by this organization exist. However, to be accepted, a high school diploma or GED would be required and again, focused high school coursework would make an impression.
Then to secure certification for dental assistant jobs, mandatory examinations are offered through the Dental Assisting Board or DANB. Currently, 30 states receive certification through this organization and for the other states no certification is required for dental assistant jobs. While earning certification requires time and money, the payoff would be in the form of more job opportunities and potential for higher salary.
Top Rated Schools
Although excellent schools providing curriculum for dental assistant jobs can be found throughout the country, the following are some with the best ratings. Remember the schools listed are just samples of what people could choose from.
- New York University – This is a private, not-for-profit university that offers certification but also a four-year degree in dentistry
- College of Southern Nevada – This college is public and while it offers four-year programs, the primary focus is on associate degrees
- Boise State University – Currently, just under 20,000 students attend this university, which offers various programs and degrees specific to dentistry
- University of Alaska Anchorage – When it comes to the highest salary for dental assistant jobs, Alaska ranks the best so attending this university for certification or a degree would be a great consideration
- Northwest Florida State College – Although a smaller public college, an associate’s degree is the primary option although this four-year programs are available
One important note is that even for certification for dental assistant jobs, many colleges, universities, and specialized schools offer some degree of financial aid. However, because many states and dentists do not require certification for a career such as this, for someone interested in securing a certificate might get assistance in paying for the program through the employer.
Earning Potential
As with any career, exact salary currently being offered is based on several factors. For instance, the exact type of assistant, type of work being performed, level of education and training, certification or no certification, past experience, geographic area, and even the dentist and/or facility working in would all play a role in the amount of money a person could earn in dental assistant jobs.
Although salary would likely vary in certain circumstances, the latest statistics released show that a qualified dental assistant earns on average $10 to $19 an hour. In addition, average overtime pay ranges from $11.25 to $28 an hour. Often dental assistants are given perks in the form of bonuses and profit sharing, which would also impact overall salary potential. Adding the standard hourly rate with overtime, bonuses, and profit sharing, dental assistant jobs pay on average between $20,000 and $40,000 a year.
Future of Dental Assistants
All healthcare positions need dedicated and qualified individuals with dental assistant jobs being no different. There are many reasons for increase of demand but one of the primary reasons has to do with the vast number of people from the baby boomer generation. As these people age and earn stable income, level of healthcare improves.
Therefore, we see a much larger number of people seeking the services of a dentist. As a result, someone looking for a secure and well-paying career in the healthcare sector might consider any of the available dental assistant jobs.
